Rhodochorton purpureum (Lightfoot) Rosenvinge

Also known as Audouinella purpurea (Lightfoot) Woelkerling
Description: Plants forming matted purplish-red tufts or a thin turf of sparingly branched, erect filaments, 5-10 mm long. Cells 3-4 times as long as broad. Cells with a single reticulate plastid without pyrenoids, later fragmented. Reproducing by tetrasporangia, mostly in winter. Monosporangia absent.
Habitat: On rock or epiphytic (especially on Laminaria hyperborea stipes), upper infralittoral to subtidal, often in caves and shady crevices. Widely distributed, common.
Similar species: Rhodothamniella floridula, which forms more extensive turfs. Microscopic examination (for the presence or absence of pyrenoids) is required to be certain of the identity of this species.
Key characteristics: Turf-forming habit and association with upper intertidal, shaded habitats or Laminaria hyperborea stipes. Absence of monosporangia.

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